Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2009
320 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the concerns expressed by a council (details supplied) at the termination of a youth project, he will make funding available to allow the project to continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4758/09]
View answerI understand that the youth project referred to by the Deputy is the Gweedore Youth Project, Co. Donegal.
The Department of Education and Science received an application on behalf of the Project to be considered for funding in 2008 under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. This was one of 85 new applications received under this Scheme in 2008. The Department was not in a position to approve funding for the project in 2008 owing to budgetary constraints and the high level of existing commitments in the sector.
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for Youth Affairs transferred to my Department with effect from 1 January 2009. In light of budgetary constraints in 2009 and in an effort to consolidate and preserve existing provision, the Youth Affairs Section of my Department will not be in a position to consider any new applications for admission to this Scheme in 2009.
